Satellite Communication Method for Performing Orchestration of Satellite Communication Assets and Apparatus Therefor

ABSTRACT

A satellite communication device and a method therefor are disclosed. The satellite communication device includes a first processor that generates schedule data about a satellite communication asset, a second processor that is located on a mobile vehicle spaced apart from the first processor and generates a control signal based on the schedule data, and a mediator that dynamically switches a link between at least one antenna and at least one modem based on the control signal.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

The present application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 16/726,707, entitled “Satellite Communication Method for PerformingOrchestration of Satellite Communication Assets and Apparatus Therefor”filed Dec. 24, 2019, which claims the benefit of Korean PatentApplication No. 10-2019-0136877, filed on Oct. 30, 2019, in the KoreanIntellectual Property Office, which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND 1. Field of the Invention

Example embodiments relate to a method and apparatus for performingorchestration of satellite communication assets.

2. Description of the Related Art

There are many limitations when moving mobile vehicles, for example,airplanes, ships, or land mobile vehicles, perform satellitecommunication with satellites. Particularly, there are more limitationsto performing satellite communication on a ship moving at sea thanperforming satellite communication on land. This is because the shipmoves by the waves and sails continuously.

Due to the nature of moving mobile vehicles such as airplanes, ships,and land mobile vehicles, although a plurality of satellite antennas,modems, and mediators are used, there is downtime in which connectionswith satellites are released due to a blockage or a problem departingfrom the range of the footprint.

During satellite communication, when connection with a satellite isreleased, persons manually manipulate communication assets to connectthe communication assets to another trackable satellite. Thus, it isnecessary for persons to perform continuous monitoring.

There is a need for a system for automatically managing satellitecommunication assets not to be disconnected from satellites withouthuman intervention.

SUMMARY

A satellite communication technology of performing orchestration ofsatellite communication assets is provided.

According to an aspect, there is provided a satellite communicationdevice including: a first processor that generates schedule data about asatellite communication asset, a second processor that is located on amobile vehicle spaced apart from the first processor and generates acontrol signal based on the schedule data, and a mediator thatdynamically switches a link between at least one antenna and at leastone modem based on the control signal.

The schedule data may include a policy for the control signal, acondition for the control signal, and at least one instruction accordingto the policy and the condition.

The policy may include at least one of a priority for an orbit of asatellite, a priority for a communication band of the satellite, apriority for the at least one antenna, a priority for the at least onemodem, and a service provider priority.

The condition may include at least one of a location of the secondprocessor, a time, an environmental condition of the location, and astate of the satellite communication asset.

The at least one instruction may include a configuration parameter forthe satellite communication asset.

The second processor may generate the control signal based on at leastone of an orbit of a satellite, a communication band of the satellite,and a priority for the at least one antenna.

The second processor may manage an option file including a communicationband of the at least one modem, configuration information of the atleast one antenna and the at least one modem, a list of availablesatellites, locations of the satellites, and beam information used forsatellite communication.

The mediator may monitor a state of the satellite communication asset togenerate monitoring data and may transmit the monitoring data to thesecond processor.

The monitoring data may include at least one of a matrix correspondingto the link, a heartbeat signal for the satellite communication asset,and information about the satellite communication asset.

The second processor may update the control signal based on themonitoring data.

The second processor may generate an alarm when the monitoring dataexceeds a threshold and may transmit the alarm to the first processor.

The second processor may determine whether to switch the link, based ona state of a first antenna included in the at least one antenna, mayselect a second antenna among the at least one antenna based on a policyand a condition included in the schedule data, when it is determined toswitch the link, and may generate the control signal to connect a linkbetween the second antenna and the at least one modem.

The second processor may select the second antenna based on propertiesand a state of the at least one antenna.

The second processor may select an antenna, which supports the same bandas the first antenna and has the largest size, among the at least oneantenna as the second antenna.

The second processor may determine whether to switch the link, based ona state of a first modem included in the at least one modem, may selecta second modem among the at least one modem based on a policy and acondition included in the schedule data, when it is determined to switchthe link, and may generate the control signal to connect a link betweenthe second modem and the at least one antenna.

The second processor may select the second modem based on properties anda state of the at least one modem.

The second processor may select a modem, which supports the same serviceprovider and the same band as the first modem, among the at least onemodem, as the second modem.

The second processor may generate the control signal to change a role ofthe at least one antenna based on a time schedule of a satellite. Therole may include primary, secondary, and backup roles.

The second processor may receive weather information and may generatethe control signal to change the link based on the weather information.

The second processor may receive location information of the secondprocessor and may generate the control signal to change the link basedon the location information.

The second processor may receive location information of the secondprocessor, may obtain a communication speed, service cost information,and a bandwidth of each of the plurality of service providers whichprovide satellite communication based on the location information, andmay generate the control signal to change a service provider based onthe communication speed, the service cost information, and thebandwidth.

The second processor may include an active processor and a standbyprocessor. The mediator may include a first mediator and a secondmediator. The active processor may generate the control signal tocontrol one of the first mediator and the second mediator.

The mediator may include a first mediator and a second mediator. Thesecond processor may generate the control signal such that the firstmediator and the second mediator switch a link between differentantennas.

The schedule data may include first schedule data and second scheduledata. The control signal may include a first control signal and a secondcontrol signal. The at least one antenna may include a first antenna anda second antenna. The second processor may generate the first controlsignal based on the first schedule data and may generate the secondcontrol signal based on the second schedule data The mediator mayconnect the at least one modem and the first antenna based on the firstcontrol signal. The mediator may connect the at least one modem and thesecond antenna based on the second control signal.

The first processor may be located at a fixed point. The secondprocessor may be located on each of a plurality of mobile vehicles. Thefirst processor may transmit the schedule data to a plurality of secondprocessors respectively located on the plurality of mobile vehicles.

According to another aspect, there is provided a satellite communicationmethod including: generating schedule data about a satellitecommunication asset, generating a control signal based on the scheduledata, on a mobile vehicle spaced apart from a location where theschedule data is generated, and dynamically switching a link between atleast one antenna and at least one modem based on the control signal.

The schedule data may include a policy for the control signal, acondition for the control signal, and an instruction according to thepolicy and the condition.

The policy may include at least one of a priority for an orbit of asatellite, a priority for a communication band of the satellite, apriority for the at least one antenna, a priority for the at least onemodem, and a service provider priority.

The condition may include at least one of a location where the controlsignal is generated, a time, an environmental condition of the location,and a state of the satellite communication asset.

The instruction may include a configuration parameter for the satellitecommunication asset.

The generating of the control signal may include generating the controlsignal based on at least one of an orbit of a satellite, a communicationband of the satellite, a priority for the at least one antenna.

The generating of the control signal may include managing an option fileincluding a communication band of the at least one modem, configurationinformation of the at least one antenna and the at least one modem, alist of available satellites, locations of the satellites, and beaminformation used for satellite communication.

The satellite communication method may further include monitoring astate of the satellite communication asset to generate monitoring dataand transmitting the monitoring data.

The monitoring data may include at least one of a matrix correspondingto the link, a heartbeat signal for the satellite communication asset,and information about the satellite communication asset.

The generating of the control signal may include updating the controlsignal based on the monitoring data.

The satellite communication method may further include generating analarm, when the monitoring data exceeds a threshold and transmitting thealarm.

The generating of the control signal may include determining whether toswitch the link, based on a state of a first antenna included in the atleast one antenna, selecting a second antenna among the at least oneantenna based on a policy and a condition included in the schedule data,when it is determined to switch the link, and generating the controlsignal to connect a link between the second antenna and the at least onemodem.

The selecting of the second antenna may include selecting the secondantenna based on properties and a state of the at least one antenna.

The selecting of the second antenna based on the properties and thestate of the at least one antenna may include selecting an antenna,which supports the same band as the first antenna and has the largestsize, among the at least one antenna as the second antenna.

The generating of the control signal may include determining whether toswitch the link, based on a state of a first modem included in the atleast one modem, selecting a second modem among the at least one modembased on a policy and a condition included in the schedule data, when itis determined to switch the link, and generating the control signal toconnect a link between the second modem and the at least one antenna.

The selecting of the second modem may include selecting the second modembased on properties and a state of the at least one modem.

The selecting of the second modem based on the properties and the stateof the at least one modem may include selecting a modem, which supportsthe same service provider and the same band as the first modem, amongthe at least one modem, as the second modem.

The generating of the control signal may include generating the controlsignal to change a role of the at least one antenna based on a timeschedule of a satellite. The role may include primary, secondary, andbackup roles.

The generating of the control signal may include receiving weatherinformation and generating the control signal to change the link basedon the weather information.

The generating of the control signal may include receiving locationinformation of a point where the control signal is generated andgenerating the control signal to change the link based on the locationinformation.

The generating of the control signal may include receiving locationinformation of a point where the control signal is generated, obtaininga communication speed, service cost information, and a bandwidth of eachof the plurality of service providers which provide satellitecommunication based on the location information, and generating thecontrol signal to change a service provider based on the communicationspeed, the service cost information, and the bandwidth.

The control signal may be generated by an active processor and a standbyprocessor. The switching may be performed by a first mediator and asecond mediator. The generating of the control signal may includegenerating the control signal to control one of the first mediator andthe second mediator through the active processor.

The switching may be performed by a first mediator and a secondmediator. The generating of the control signal may include generatingthe control signal such that the first mediator and the second mediatorswitch a link between different antennas.

The schedule data may include first schedule data and second scheduledata. The control signal may include a first control signal and a secondcontrol signal. The at least one antenna may include a first antenna anda second antenna. The generating of the control signal may includegenerating the first control signal based on the first schedule data andgenerating the second control signal based on the second schedule data.The switching may include connecting the at least one modem and thefirst antenna based on the first control signal and connecting the atleast one modem and the second antenna based on the second controlsignal.

The schedule data may be generated at a fixed point. The control signalmay be generated on each of a plurality of mobile vehicles. The scheduledata may be transmitted to each of the plurality of mobile vehicles.

According to another aspect, there is provided a satellite communicationdevice including: a processor that generates a control signal based onschedule data and a mediator that dynamically switches a link between atleast one antenna and at least one modem based on the control signal.

The processor may receive the schedule data from another processorspaced apart from the processor or generates the schedule data.

The processor may determine whether to switch the link, based on a stateof a first antenna included in the at least one antenna, may select asecond antenna among the at least one antenna based on a policy and acondition included in the schedule data, when it is determined to switchthe link, and may generate the control signal to connect a link betweenthe second antenna and the at least one modem.

The processor may select the second antenna based on properties and astate of the at least one antenna.

The processor may select an antenna, which supports the same band as thefirst antenna and has the largest size, among the at least one antenna,as the second antenna.

The processor may determine whether to switch the link, based on a stateof a first modem included in the at least one modem, may select a secondmodem among the at least one modem based on a policy and a conditionincluded in the schedule data, when it is determined to switch the link,and may generate the control signal to connect a link between the secondmodem and the at least one antenna.

The processor may select the second modem based on properties and astate of the at least one modem.

The processor may select a modem, which supports the same serviceprovider and the same band as the first modem, among the at least onemodem, as the second modem.

The processor may generate the control signal to change a role of the atleast one antenna based on a time schedule of a satellite. The role mayinclude primary, secondary, and backup roles.

The processor may receive weather information and may generate thecontrol signal to change the link based on the weather information.

The processor may receive location information of the processor and maygenerate the control signal to change the link based on the locationinformation.

The processor may receive location information of the processor, mayobtain a communication speed, service cost information, and a bandwidthof each of the plurality of service providers which provide satellitecommunication based on the location information, and may generate thecontrol signal to change a service provider based on the communicationspeed, the service cost information, and the bandwidth.

The processor may include an active processor and a standby processor.The mediator may include a first mediator and a second mediator. Theactive processor may generate the control signal to control one of thefirst mediator and the second mediator.

The mediator may include a first mediator and a second mediator. Theprocessor may generate the control signal such that the first mediatorand the second mediator switch a link between different antennas.

The schedule data may include first schedule data and second scheduledata. The control signal may include a first control signal and a secondcontrol signal. The at least one antenna may include a first antenna anda second antenna. The processor may generate the first control signalbased on the first schedule data and may generate the second controlsignal based on the second schedule data. The mediator may connect theat least one modem and the first antenna based on the first controlsignal. The mediator may connect the at least one modem and the secondantenna based on the second control signal.

Additional aspects of example embodiments will be set forth in part inthe description which follows and, in part, will be apparent from thedescription, or may be learned by practice of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and/or other aspects, features, and advantages of the inventionwill become apparent and more readily appreciated from the followingdescription of example embodiments, taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings of which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a satellitecommunication device according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2 illustrates in detail a satellite communication device shown inFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates a structure of a satellite communication device shownin FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 illustrates a functional structure of a first processor shown inFIG. 1;

FIG. 5 illustrates a functional structure of a second processor shown inFIG. 1;

FIG. 6 illustrates a control data model of a satellite communicationdevice shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 illustrates flow of control data shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8A illustrates an example of a mediation operation according to apolicy;

FIG. 8B illustrates another example of a mediation operation accordingto a policy;

FIG. 8C illustrates another example of a mediation operation accordingto a policy;

FIG. 9A illustrates a situation before switching of a mediator, when ablockage occurs;

FIG. 9B illustrates a situation after switching of a mediator, when ablockage occurs;

FIG. 9C illustrates locations of antennas in FIGS. 9A and 9B;

FIG. 10A illustrates a situation before switching of a mediator, when anantenna fault occurs;

FIG. 10B illustrates a situation after switching of a mediator, when anantenna fault occurs;

FIG. 10C illustrates locations of antennas in FIGS. 10A and 10B;

FIG. 11A illustrates a situation before switching of a mediator, when amodem fault occurs;

FIG. 11B illustrates a situation after switching of a mediator, when amodem fault occurs;

FIG. 11C illustrates locations of antennas in FIGS. 11A and 11B;

FIG. 12A illustrates a situation before switching of a mediator, whenperforming a handover;

FIG. 12B illustrates a situation after switching of a mediator, whenperforming a handover;

FIG. 12C illustrates locations of antennas in FIGS. 12A and 12B;

FIG. 13A illustrates a situation before switching of a mediator, when asatellite signal is weak due to weather;

FIG. 13B illustrates a situation after switching of a mediator, when asatellite signal is weak due to weather;

FIG. 13C illustrates locations of antennas in FIGS. 13A and 13B;

FIG. 14A illustrates a situation before switching of a mediator, whenpassing through a service coverage change area;

FIG. 14B illustrates a situation after switching of a mediator, whenpassing through a service coverage change area;

FIG. 14C illustrates locations of antennas in FIGS. 14A and 14B;

FIG. 15A illustrates a situation before switching of a mediator, whenchanging a service provider;

FIG. 15B illustrates a situation after switching of a mediator, whenchanging a service provider;

FIG. 15C illustrates locations of antennas in FIGS. 15A and 15B;

FIG. 16A illustrates an example of a configuration of a data center,when there are a plurality of mediators;

FIG. 16B illustrates locations of antennas in FIG. 16A;

FIG. 17A illustrates another example of a configuration of a datacenter, when there are a plurality of mediators;

FIG. 17B illustrates locations of antennas in FIG. 17A;

FIG. 18 illustrates flow of monitoring data;

FIG. 19 illustrates an example of a user experience interface (UXI) forsetting an asset at a second processor;

FIG. 20 illustrates another example of a UXI for setting an asset at asecond processor;

FIG. 21A illustrates an example of a UXI for setting an RF link at asecond processor;

FIG. 21B illustrates another example of a UXI for setting an RF link ata second processor;

FIG. 22 illustrates an example of a UXI for a setting about mediation ofa second processor;

FIG. 23 illustrates another example of a UXI for a setting aboutmediation of a second processor;

FIG. 24 illustrates another example of a UXI for a setting aboutmediation of a second processor;

FIG. 25 illustrates an example of a UXI about monitoring data of asecond processor;

FIG. 26 illustrates another example of a UXI about monitoring data of asecond processor; and

FIG. 27 illustrates another example of a UXI about monitoring data of asecond processor.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, embodiments are described in detail with reference to theaccompanying drawings. With respect to the descriptions of the drawings,like reference numerals refer to like elements. Various modificationsare possible in various embodiments described below. Embodimentsdescribed below are not intended to be limited to the implementationforms, and it is understood that it should include all modifications,equivalents, and/or alternatives according to various embodiments.

The terminology used herein is used to describe specified embodimentsand is not intended to limit the embodiments. The expression of singularnumber includes the expression of plural number unless clearly intendingotherwise in a context. In the specification, it should be understoodthat terms of ‘comprise’, ‘have’, and the like are to designate theexistence of a feature disclosed in the specification, a numeral, astep, an input, a constituent element, a part, or a combination thereof,and do not previously exclude a possibility of existence or supplementof one or more other features, numerals, steps, inputs, constituentelements, parts, or combinations thereof.

Terms such as “first” and “second” may be used in describing variouselements, but the above elements shall not be restricted to the aboveterms. The above terms are used only to distinguish one element from theother. For instance, the first element may be named the second element,and vice versa, without departing from the scope of claims of theinventive concept.

Unless otherwise defined herein, all the terms used herein, whichinclude technical or scientific terms, may have the same meaning that isgenerally understood by a person skilled in the art. It will be furtherunderstood that terms, which are defined in a dictionary and commonlyused, should also be interpreted as is customary in the relevant relatedart and not in an idealized or overly formal detect unless expressly sodefined herein in various embodiments of the inventive concept.

Furthermore, in describing embodiments with reference to theaccompanying drawings, the same reference denotations are assigned tothe same elements without regard to the drawing denotations, aduplicated description thereof will be omitted. When it is determinedthat a detailed description of the related well-known technologyunnecessarily blurs the gist of embodiments in describing embodiments, adetailed description thereof will be omitted.

The module in the specification may refer to hardware capable ofperforming a function and operation according to each name described inthe specification, and may refer to a computer program code capable ofperforming a specific function and operation or may refer to anelectronic storage medium, into which the computer program code capableof performing the specific function and operation is loaded, forexample, a processor or a microprocessor.

In other words, the module may refer to a functional and/or structuralcombination of hardware for performing the technical scope of theinventive concept and/or software for running the hardware.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a satellitecommunication device according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 1, a satellite communication device 10 may performsatellite communication using a satellite 30 and an antenna 50.

The satellite 30 may be an artificial device launched using a rocket torevolve around a planet such as the earth and may include an artificialsatellite. The antenna 50 may include a satellite antenna. For example,the satellite antenna may include a parabolic antenna in the form of adish to be designed to receive information from a communicationsatellite or transmit information to the communication satellite.

The satellite communication device 10 may control a connection with theantenna 50 to perform satellite communication without downtime whichoccurs as it is disconnected from the satellite 30.

In an example of FIG. 1, an embodiment is exemplified as the antenna 50is located outside the satellite communication device 10. However,embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, if necessary, thesatellite communication device 10 may contain the antenna 50 or may beembedded in the antenna 50. Furthermore, the antenna 50 may include oneor more antennas.

The satellite communication device 10 may perform satellitecommunication using a plurality of satellites moving on a plurality oforbits and a plurality of frequency bands to seamlessly perform thesatellite communication.

The satellite communication device 10 may include a first processor 100,a second processor 200, and a mediator 300. The first processor 100 andthe second processor 200 may be implemented as separate processors ormay be implemented as one processor. Furthermore, each of the firstprocessor 100 and the second processor 200 is expressed as one, but mayinclude a plurality of processors if necessary.

Each of the first processor 100 and the second processor 200 may includeits memory (not shown). Each of the first processor 100 and the secondprocessor 200 may process data stored in the memory. Each of the firstprocessor 100 and the second processor 200 may execute acomputer-readable code (e.g., software) stored in the memory andinstructions caused by each of the first processor 100 and the secondprocessor 200.

Each of the first processor 100 and the second processor 200 may be adata processing device implemented with hardware having a circuit whichhas a physical structure for executing desired operations. For example,the desired operations may include a code included in a program orinstructions.

For example, the data processing device implemented with hardware mayinclude a microprocessor, a central processing unit, a processor core, amulti-core processor, a multiprocessor, an application-specificintegrated circuit, or a field programmable gate array (FPGA).

The first processor 100 and the second processor 200 may control themediator 300 based on a state of a satellite communication asset and asatellite communication state to provide smooth satellite communication.

The satellite communication asset may include a hardware deviceconstituting a satellite communication system. For example, thesatellite communication asset may include the satellite 30, the antenna50, a modem, the first processor 100, the second processor 200, and themediator 300. The satellite communication asset may further include amobile vehicle. For example, the mobile vehicle may include a ship, anairplane, a land mobile vehicle, or the like. The mobile vehicle mayrefer to various types of movement platforms capable of performingsatellite communication with a satellite.

For example, the satellite communication asset may include the mobilevehicle and one or more mediators 300, the one or more antennas 50, andone or more modems, which are installed on each mobile vehicle.Properties of the satellite communication asset may be registered andmanaged as a hierarchical structure with the second processor 200, andthe first processor 100 may share the same information. The propertiesof the satellite communication asset may include a model, a type, anantenna size, a supported band, and a service supported by the modem.

The first processor 100 may generate schedule data about the satellitecommunication asset.

The schedule data may include a parameter necessary to control thesatellite communication asset. For example, the schedule data mayinclude a policy for a control signal generated by the second processor200, a condition for the control signal, and at least one instructionaccording to the policy and the condition. The instruction may includean instruction to connect an RF link between the antenna 50 and themodem.

The policy may include at least one of a priority for the orbit of thesatellite 30, a priority for a communication band of the satellite 30, apriority for the at least one antenna 50, a priority for at least onemodem, and a service provider priority. Furthermore, the policy mayfurther include fixed link designation and priorities for respectivepolicies.

The priority for the communication band of the satellite 30 may includea priority for a communication band for each orbit of the satellite 30.For example, the priority for the communication band may vary with anorbit of the satellite 30.

The condition may include at least one of a location of the secondprocessor 200, a time, an environmental condition of the location of thesecond processor 200, and a state of the satellite communication asset.The environmental condition may include a weather state. For example,the weather state may include temperature, humidity, precipitation, arainfall probability, a wind direction, a wind speed, atmosphericpressure, a wave height, and the like.

The state of the satellite communication asset may include a normalstate and an abnormal state. The abnormal state may include a blockage,a fault, and the like.

For example, the orbit of the satellite 30 may include a geo-stationaryearth orbit (GEO), a medium earth orbit (MEO), a low earth orbit (LEO).The communication band of the satellite 30 may include Ka band, Ku band,and C band.

The service provider may include an operator who provides a satellitecommunication service.

The at least one instruction may include a configuration parameter forthe satellite communication asset. For example, the configurationparameter may include an environment configuration parameter for thesatellite communication asset.

The second processor 200 may generate a control signal based on theschedule data. The second processor 200 may generate a control signalbased on at least one of an orbit of the satellite 30, a communicationband of the satellite 30, or a priority for the at least one antenna 50.

The second processor 200 may be located on the same location as thefirst processor 100 or on a mobile vehicle spaced apart from the firstprocessor 100. The mobile vehicle may include an object moving inphysical space. For example, the mobile vehicle may include an airplane,a ship, or a vehicle.

The second processor 200 may determine whether to switch a link betweenthe at least one antenna 50 and the at least one modem, based on a stateof a first antenna (not shown) included in the at least one antenna 50.The state of the antenna 50 may include a blockage of the antenna 50 ora fault state of the antenna 50.

When it is determined to switch the link between the at least oneantenna 50 and the at least one modem, the second processor 200 mayselect a second antenna (not shown) among the at least one antenna 50based on a policy and a condition included in the schedule data.

The second processor 200 may select the second antenna based onproperties and a state of the at least one antenna 50. In detail, thesecond processor 200 may select an antenna, which supports the same bandas the first antenna and has the largest size, among the at least oneantenna 50, as the second antenna.

The second processor 200 may generate a control signal to connect a linkbetween the second antenna and the at least one modem.

The second processor 200 may determine whether to switch a link based ona state of a first modem included in the at least one modem.

When it is determined to switch the link, the second processor 200 mayselect a second modem among the at least one modem based on a policy anda condition included in the schedule data.

The second processor 200 may select the second modem based on propertiesand a state of the at least one modem. In detail, the second processor200 may select a modem, which supports the same service provider and thesame band as the first modem, among the at least one modem, as thesecond modem.

The second processor 200 may generate a control signal to connect a linkbetween the second modem and the at least one antenna 50.

The second processor 200 may generate a control signal to change a roleof the at least one antenna 50 based on a time schedule of the satellite30. The role of the antenna 50 may include primary, secondary, andbackup roles.

The second processor 200 may receive weather information. The secondprocessor 200 may generate a control signal to change a link between theat least one antenna 50 and the at least one modem based on the weatherinformation.

The second processor 200 may receive weather information from a weatherobservation device. The weather information may include temperature,humidity, precipitation, a rainfall probability, a wind direction, awind speed, atmospheric pressure, a wave height, and the like.

The second processor 200 may receive location information of the secondprocessor 200. The second processor 200 may generate a control signal tochange a link between at least one antenna 50 and the at least one modembased on the received location information.

For example, the second processor 200 may receive location informationfrom a global positioning system (GPS). The second processor 200 maydetermine whether mobile vehicles communicating with the satellite 30passes through a service coverage change area, based on the receivedlocation information, and, at this time, may generate a control signalto change a link between the at least one antenna 50 and the at leastone modem.

The second processor 200 may receive location information of the secondprocessor 200 and may obtain a communication speed, service costinformation, and a bandwidth of each of a plurality of service providerswhich provide satellite communication based on the location information.For example, the service cost information may include a service chargefor each of the plurality of service providers.

The second processor 200 may generate a control signal to change aservice provider based on the communication speed, the service costinformation, and the bandwidth of each of the plurality of serviceproviders.

The second processor 200 may be implemented as a plurality ofprocessors. The second processor 200 may be implemented as a singleprocessor or the plurality of processors to control the plurality ofmediators 300.

For example, the second processor 200 may include an active processor(not shown) and a standby processor (not shown).

The active processor may generate a control signal to control one of afirst mediator (not shown) and a second mediator (not shown) included inthe plurality of mediators 300.

The second processor 200 may generate a control signal such that thefirst mediator and the second mediator switch a link between differentantennas.

The second processor 200 may manage an option file including acommunication band of the at least one modem, configuration informationof the at least one antenna and the at least one modem, a list includingan available satellite 30, locations of the satellite 30, and beaminformation used for satellite communication. The option file mayinclude a configuration file for the modem and a satellite databasefile.

In other words, the option file may include information about thesatellite 30 and configuration information of the antenna 50 and themodem. The information about the satellite 30 may include a listincluding the satellite 30, a location of the satellite 30, and beaminformation used for satellite communication. The configurationinformation of the antenna 50 and the modem may include a block upconverter (BUC) and low-noise block converter (LNB) configuration value.

The option file may be distributed by the service provider. The secondprocessor 200 may download and manage the option file in advance fromthe service provider.

The mediator 300 may dynamically switch a link between the at least oneantenna 50 and the at least one modem based on the control signal. Themediator 300 may switch a link between the modem and the antenna 50based on a priority according to the schedule data and the controlsignal. The link between the modem and the antenna 50 may include aradio frequency (RF) link.

The switching of the link may include an operation for releasing a link(connection) between the antenna 50 and the modem, an operation forgenerating a connection, and an operation for changing a connectionrelationship.

The dynamic switching of the link between the at least one antenna 50and the at least one modem may be performed through an instruction basedon a policy and a condition. The policy, the condition, and theinstruction may be corrected, added, or deleted according to a type, anoperation environment, and an operation policy of a satellitecommunication asset.

The mediator 300 may monitor a state of the satellite communicationasset to generate monitoring data. The mediator 300 may transmit thegenerated monitoring data to the second processor 200. The secondprocessor 200 may transmit the received monitoring data to the firstprocessor 100.

The mediator 300 may be implemented as a plurality of mediators. Forexample, the mediator 300 may include a first mediator and a secondmediator.

The monitoring data may include at least one of a matrix correspondingto a link between the at least one antenna 50 and the at least onemodem, a heartbeat signal for the satellite communication asset, andinformation about the satellite communication asset.

The heartbeat signal may refer to a signal indicating whether thesatellite communication asset is normally operated.

The second processor 200 may update a control signal based on themonitoring data. The second processor 200 may generate a control signalbased on the monitoring data without the schedule data received from thefirst processor 100.

For example, the second processor 200 may compare a policy with acondition based on the monitoring data and may transmit the generatedcontrol signal to the mediator 300.

When the monitoring data exceeds a threshold, the second processor 200may generate an alarm. The second processor 200 may transmit the alarmto the first processor 100.

For example, the second processor 200 may analyze the monitoring data togenerate an alarm indicating seriousness when there is no heartbeatsignal or when the satellite communication asset breaks down.

The second processor 200 may generate an alarm indicating a warning whenthe monitoring data exceeds the threshold and may generate an alarmindicating seriousness when the warning alarm continues.

The second processor 200 may display the generated alarm on a display(not shown) and may automatically transmit the generate alarm to thefirst processor 100 and a person in charge.

The memory (not shown) may store instructions (or a program) executableby the first processor 100 and the second processor 200. For example,the instructions may include instructions for executing operations ofthe first processor 100 and the second processor 200 and/or an operationof each component of the first processor 100 and the second processor200.

The memory may be implemented as a volatile memory or a non-volatilememory.

The volatile memory may be implemented as a dynamic random access memory(DRAM), a static RAM (SRAM), a thyristor RAM (T-RAM), a zero capacitorRAM (Z-RAM), or a twin transistor RAM (TTRAM).

The non-volatile memory may be implemented as an electrically erasableprogrammable read-only memory (EEPROM), a flash memory, a magnetic RAM(MRAM), a spin-transfer torque-MRAM (STT-MARM), a conductive bridgingRAM (CBRAM), a ferroelectric RAM (FeRAM), a phase change RAM (PRAM), aresistive RAM (RRAM), a nanotube RRAM, a polymer RAM (PoRAM), a nanofloating gate memory (NFGM), a holographic memory, a molecularelectronic memory device, or an insulator resistance change memory.

FIG. 2 is a detailed drawing of a satellite communication device shownin FIG. 1.

Referring to FIG. 2, a satellite communication device 10 shown in FIG. 1may include a first processor 100, a second processor 200, and amediator 300. Furthermore, the satellite communication device 10 mayfurther include an antenna 50 and a modem 70.

The mediator 300 may be plural in number. The antenna 50 may include aplurality of antennas 50-1 to 50-10. The plurality of antennas 50-1 to50-10 may be implemented as a multi-band antenna. Furthermore, the modem70 may include a plurality of modems 70-1 to 70-10.

The first processor 100 may generate schedule data and may transmit thegenerated schedule data to the second processor 200. The first processor100 may transmit and receive information with a satellite 30 through anetwork operations center (NOC).

The schedule data may include an instruction according to a conditionand a policy. The condition may include a detailed response method whena specific situation occurs while satellite communication is performed.For example, the condition may include a condition about whether toswitch satellite communication to any band when a communication signalof a specific band is disconnected.

As described below, the instruction may include a command to connect theantenna 50 and the modem 70, a command to change a role of an antenna,and a command to transmit an option file to the modem 70 if necessary.The role of the antenna 50 may include primary, secondary, and backuproles.

The modem 70 may include a separate modem which supports a serviceprovider or a band. When the band is changed and when there is no modemwhich supports a band to be changed, the second processor 200 may changea configuration setting of the modem 70 through the option file suchthat the one modem 70 supports a plurality of bands.

When the schedule data is changed, the first processor 100 may transmitthe changed schedule data to the second processor 200.

The first processor 100 may include a connectivity management system(CMS).

The CMS may be implemented as a server.

The first processor 100 may be located in the center (e.g., an Internetdata center (IDC) or a cloud). The first processor 100 may manageoperating mobile vehicles and satellite communication assets of themobile vehicles and may generate and distribute schedule data toefficiently use a satellite network through an optimizer. Furthermore,the first processor 100 may monitor a satellite communication asset ofeach mobile vehicle and a network operation state.

The first processor 100 may integrally manage a plurality of mobilevehicles or may separately manage the plurality of mobile vehicles foreach fleet.

The first processor 100 may monitor the second processor 200 and themediator 300 and may generate and distribute a condition for maintainingoptimal satellite communication. The first processor 100 may generate apolicy for controlling the antenna 50, the modem 70, the secondprocessor 200, and the mediator 300 and an option file.

For example, when the second processor 200 is installed on a mobilevehicle, the first processor 100 may monitor situations of mobilevehicles in the center (e.g., on-board or shore-side) and may generate acommand for each condition for maintaining optimal satellitecommunication using assets, such as the antenna 50 and the modem 70,depending on a path of the mobile vehicle, a time, and an environmentalcondition in which the mobile vehicle is.

The first processor 100 may distribute the generated command for eachcondition to each mobile vehicle and may manage the generated commandfor each condition. The first processor 100 may monitor a satellitecommunication state of each mobile vehicle and the satellitecommunication device 10.

The first processor 100 may define a response method, according to anasset of each mobile vehicle and an environmental condition for eachmovement path, as schedule data. The first processor 100 may distributethe schedule data to each mobile vehicle and may manage a plurality ofmobile vehicles to follow a schedule defined in the schedule data. Thefirst processor 100 may generate schedule data for the plurality ofmobile vehicles based on a condition. The first processor 100 mayperform policy management based on a multi-level priority.

The first processor 100 may generate schedule data based on anoptimizer. The optimizer may optimize a policy. The optimizer maytransmit and receive information about a product purchased by a serviceprovider, the amount of used data, or the like with the serviceprovider. The information about the purchased product may include apurchase price, the amount of purchased data, a bandwidth, and a speed.

The optimizer may define costs, a speed, a quota, or the like based on acontract between service providers, and the first processor may generateschedule data based on the costs, the speed, the quota, or the likedefined by the optimizer.

The first processor 100 may provide a dashboard monitoring system basedon a graphic user interface (GUI) using a map. The first processor 100may provide an alarm based on a fault and a threshold.

The first processor 100 may manage a satellite communication asset(e.g., a mobile vehicle, the antenna 50, the modem 70, the mediator 300,and a dual data center). The dual data center may refer to a serverimplemented to have the same hardware configuration in two or more sets.A service may be maintained through the dual data center, although amobile vehicle is flooded. The dual data center may include highavailability (HA) or server duplexing.

The first processor 100 may manage a firmware and software update.

The first processor 100 may manage a configuration setting and an optionfile and may optimize a data consumption planner to generate theoptimized policy.

The option file may include configuration setting information accordingto a service provider or a satellite communication band. The secondprocessor 200 may receive schedule data and may generate a controlsignal for controlling the mediator 300. The second processor 200 mayinclude a mediation edge server (MES). The MES may include a server.

The second processor 200 may be located on each mobile vehicle toreceive schedule data from the first processor 100. The second processor200 may generate schedule data itself. In other words, the secondprocessor 200 may generate the schedule data and may generate a controlsignal based on the generated schedule data.

The second processor 200 may receive schedule data from anotherprocessor (e.g., the first processor 100) spaced apart from the secondprocessor 200, or the second processor 200 may directly generateschedule data.

The second processor 200 may generate an instruction to dynamicallyswitch an RF link between the antenna 50 and the modem 70 depending on apolicy and a condition based on the schedule data. The second processor200 may transmit a control signal according to the instruction togetherwith a configuration parameter to the mediator 300.

The second processor 200 may manage a configuration parameter includinga list of the antenna 50, the modem 70, the mediator 300, and availablesatellites, locations of the satellites, and satellite beam information.

The second processor 200 may download a policy and an option file fromthe first processor 100. The second processor 200 may apply a localpolicy to override a side policy on a server.

The second processor 200 may be installed on a mobile vehicle tocommunicate with the first processor 100. For example, the secondprocessor 200 may be installed on a ship.

When the second processor 200 is installed on the mobile vehicle, it mayregister and manage a satellite communication asset installed on themobile vehicle. The second processor 200 may receive schedule data and acommand for each condition from the first processor 100. The secondprocessor 200 may generate a control signal for the mediator 300 basedon the received schedule data and a condition.

The second processor 200 may generate a control signal for controlling asatellite communication asset based on the instruction included in theschedule data.

The second processor 200 may edit a schedule for the satellitecommunication asset, a condition, and a response method to a situationin which the satellite communication asset is. As a result, the secondprocessor 200 may automatically control an RF link of the mediator 300depending on the schedule data and the condition to maintain optimalsatellite communication connectivity. The second processor 200 mayprovide a manual RF switching function to the mediator 300.

The second processor 200 may perform control and monitoring to controlto connect an asset for satellite communication by controlling an RFswitching operation through control of the mediator 300 and to maintaina seamless optimal network state.

The second processor 200 may control on-board assets through a userinterface (UI). The second processor 200 may provide a function ofmanually controlling assets. For example, the on-board assets mayinclude assets on a mobile vehicle.

The second processor 200 may periodically transmit the result ofmonitoring a satellite communication asset, including a log, to thefirst processor 100. The second processor 200 may set a period where themonitored result is transmitted. The second processor 200 may request asatellite communication asset including the mediator 300 to collectmonitoring data.

The second processor 200 may provide a GUI-based monitoring system andmay provide a monitoring system based on a dashboard. A description willbe given in detail of a user interface with reference to FIGS. 19 and27.

The mediator 300 may switch a connection between the antenna 50 and themodem 70 based on the control signal. The mediator 300 may support theconnection between the antenna 50 and the modem 70 depending on thecondition included in the schedule data.

The mediator 300 may include an RF switch. The mediator 300 maydynamically connect an RF signal between the antenna 50 and the modem 70dependently or independently of the control signal generated by thesecond processor 200.

The mediator 300 may support a connection between the plurality ofantennas 50 and the plurality of modems 70. For example, the mediator300 may control a connection between the eight antennas 50 and the eightmodems 70. The number of the antennas 50 and the modems 70 controlled bythe mediator 300 may be less than eight or may be greater than or equalto eight if necessary.

When operating in a passive mode, the mediator 300 may perform a passivemediation function depending on a command received from the secondprocessor 200. When operating in an active mode, the mediator 300 mayperform an active mediation function according to its own algorithmwithout control of the second processor 200.

The mediator 300 and the antenna 50 or the mediator 300 and the modem 70may be connected by a cable. The mediator 300 may switch a link betweenthe antenna 50 and the modem 70 depending on the control signal receivedfrom the second processor 200 or its own internal rule.

The mediator 300 may monitor state information of a satellitecommunication asset connected with the mediator 300 and may transmit themonitored result to the second processor 200.

FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating a structure of a satellitecommunication device shown in FIG. 1.

Referring to FIG. 3, a first processor 100 and a second processor 200may be located on different places. For example, the first processor 100may be located on-board the vehicle or at the shore side, and the secondprocessor 100 may be located on a mobile vehicle.

The first processor 100 may include a plurality of modules. For example,the first processor 100 may include an orchestration web app, a dataservice open application programming interface (API), a web server(e.g., apache), a simple network management protocol (SNMP) server, anautomated mediation manager, a policy manager, a monitoring manager, anasset manager/asset configuration, a database (DB) connector, and anoperational system (OS) (e.g., Linux).

The first processor 100 may transmit and receive information with anetwork management system (NMS) or an NOC. The first processor 100 maytransmit and receive information with the second processor 200 through ahypertext transfer protocol over secure socket layer (HTTPS) or an SNMP.

For example, the first processor 100 may transmit schedule data and anoption file to the second processor 200. The first processor 100 mayreceive an asset status alarm from the second processor 200.

The first processor 100 may transmit information about an asset to anoptimizer.

The first processor 100 may receive an optimized policy from theoptimizer.

The optimizer may include a data service open API, a web server (e.g.,apache), and an optimizer module.

The second processor 200 may include a plurality of modules. The secondprocessor 200 may include an edge web app, an MES service API (openAPI), a web server (apache), a remote access connector for an asset, apolicy override manager, a monitoring agent, an automated mediationcontroller, an asset manager/asset configuration, a DB connector, an OS(e.g., Linux), and a repository (DB) server.

The second processor 200 may transmit and receive information with thefirst processor 100 and a mediator 300. The second processor 200 mayreceive schedule data and an option file from the first processor 100and may transmit an asset status alarm to the first processor 100.

The second processor 200 may transmit a command to the mediator 300through an HTTPS. The second processor 200 may transmit an option fileto a modem 70. The second processor 200 may receive an asset statusalarm from the mediator 300. The command may include a command toconnect an antenna 50 and the modem 70.

The mediator 300 may include a plurality of modules. The mediator 300may include a monitoring & control (M&C) web app, a control API (openAPI), a web server (e.g., lighttpd), a monitoring agent, a mediationblock, an asset manager, an antenna control unit (ACU) emulator, and anOS (e.g., an embedded Linux).

FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating a functional structure of a firstprocessor shown in FIG. 1.

Referring to FIG. 4, a first processor 100 may include an orchestrationweb app, a service open API, a policy manager, an automated mediationmanager, a monitoring module, an asset manager, and an assetconfiguration module.

The first processor 100 may provide monitoring dashboard, schedule,alarm, policy, and configuration functions through the orchestration webapp. The monitoring module may include a history data collector, statusmonitoring, and a fault manager.

The asset manager may include a mobile vehicle manager, an antennamanager, a mediator manager, and a modem manger. The asset configurationmodule may include mediator configuration, antenna configuration, asoftware (S/W) update file, and a modem option file.

Furthermore, the first processor 100 may store a schedule,configuration, a policy, an asset, an alarm, and history data in amemory (not shown).

The first processor 100 may provide information about an asset to anoptimizer and may receive an optimized policy from the optimizer. Theoptimizer may include a service open API, a service provider/contractmanager, a usage data planner, an optimizer policy generator, and aninternal/external data collector.

The first processor 100 may transmit a schedule and configuration to asecond processor 200 and may receive monitoring data from the secondprocessor 200. A description will be given in detail of a structure ofthe second processor 200 with reference to FIG. 5.

FIG. 5 is a drawing illustrating a functional structure of a secondprocessor shown in FIG. 1.

Referring to FIG. 5, a second processor 200 may include an edge web app,a service open API, an automated mediation controller, a remote accessconnector for an asset, a policy override manager, a monitoring agent,an asset configuration module, and an asset manager.

The edge web app may provide monitoring dashboard, alarm, configuration,policy, automated mediator editor, and manual operator functions.

The monitoring agent may include a historical data sender, a statusmonitoring module, a fault monitoring module.

The asset configuration module may include mediator configuration, modemconfiguration, antenna configuration, and SW updater modules. The assetmanager may include an antenna manager, a mediator manager, and a modemmanager.

The second processor 200 may store mediation data, an asset, a localpolicy, configuration, an alarm, and historical data in a memory (notshown).

The second processor 200 may generate a control signal based on scheduledata to control a mediator 300. The second processor 200 may control RFswitching of the mediator 300 using the control signal.

The second processor 200 may transmit RF switching and target satelliteconfiguration information to the mediator 300. The second processor 200may transmit an option file which is being managed to a modem 70.

The mediator 300 may include an M&C web app, a control API (open API)mediation block, a monitoring agent, an asset manager, and an ACUemulator.

The mediator 300 may switch a link between an antenna 50 and the modem70 based on the control signal received from the second processor 200.For example, the mediator 300 may perform RF switching.

FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating a control data model of a satellitecommunication device shown in FIG. 1.

Referring to FIG. 6, a data model used by a satellite communicationdevice 10 of FIG. 1 may include data about automated mediation control,data about an asset, and data about an antenna group.

The satellite communication device 10 may define data and may apply thedefined data to a satellite communication asset.

The satellite communication asset may include physical and logicalelements managed and/or controlled for an optimal satellite networkconnection. As described above, the satellite communication asset mayinclude a satellite 30, an antenna 50, a modem 70, a first processor100, a second processor 200, and a mediator 300 of FIG. 2. The satellitecommunication asset may further include a mobile vehicle. For example,the mobile vehicle may include a ship, an airplane, a land mobilevehicle, or the like. The mobile vehicle may refer to various types ofmovement platforms capable of performing satellite communication with asatellite.

A group of the satellite communication assets may refer to a set of thesatellite communication assets. The group of the satellite communicationassets may include an antenna group. The antenna group may be used tosupport a failover and a handover under the same band or the sameservice provider.

The data about the automated mediation control may include a conditionand an instruction set. The instruction set may include a plurality ofinstructions.

The policy may refer to a condition where an automatic controlinstruction set is executed. The policy may include a priority for asatellite communication parameter. Furthermore, the policy may includean instruction in a blockage, asset failure, weather, or weak signalintensity (signal to noise ratio (SNR)) situation and may include a userdefine policy.

The policy may include a priority for an orbit of the satellite 30, apriority for a satellite communication band, a priority for the antenna50, a priority for a service provider, or a fixed link.

The policy may be used to manage satellite communication assets whilecontinuously maintained during a specific time period. For example, thepolicy may be maintained until a mobile vehicle starts and arrives (oranchors). The priority may include a priority when a service coverage isoverlapped or when the service coverage should be changed. For example,the priority may include a band priority, an orbit priority, and aservice provider priority.

The condition may include various conditions which vary with anenvironment of the mobile vehicle. For example, the condition mayinclude a location, a time, an environmental condition (e.g., weather orblockage) according to the location, or a state of each satellitecommunication asset (e.g., fault, a weak signal, or over a specificthreshold).

The configuration parameter may include a file or data for changingsettings of the satellite communication asset. For example, theconfiguration parameter may include an option file, an SDB file, andconfiguration data.

The option file may include settings for the modem 70, and the SBD filemay include a satellite DB file for the modem 70.

The instruction set may include an option file and a command. The optionfile may include a file for changing configuration of the modem 70. Theoption file may include a configuration file for the modem 70 and an SDBfile for the modem 70.

The command may include an instruction to access a specific serviceusing the mediator 300 and the modem 70. For example, the command mayinclude RF path connectivity (e.g., disconnect or connect)configuration, role change configuration, target satelliteconfiguration, and a command to transmit an option/SDB file to the modem70.

FIG. 7 is a drawing illustrating flow of control data shown in FIG. 6.

Referring to FIG. 7, when a condition enshrined in the policy issatisfied, the instruction included in the above-mentioned instructionset may be executed in a mediator 300 of FIG. 2 through control of asecond processor 200.

A first processor 100 and an optimizer may simulate and optimize apolicy. The first processor 100 may transmit information about an assetto the optimizer and may generate an optimized policy through policysimulation for a ship, the mediator 300, an antenna 50, and a modem 70.

The first processor 100 may transmit schedule data including the policyto the second processor 200, and the second processor 200 may controlsatellite communication assets based on a condition including thepolicy.

The second processor 200 may control a satellite communication assetincluding the mediator 300 based on the optimized policy. The policygenerated by the first processor 100 may be changed by the secondprocessor 200.

The second processor 200 may change the received condition (or policy)based on an environment in which each mobile vehicle is to generate alocal condition.

The second processor 200 may generate a control signal based on at leastone of the local condition and the received schedule data to control asatellite communication asset.

FIG. 8A is a drawing illustrating an example of a mediation operationaccording to a policy. FIG. 8B is a drawing illustrating another exampleof a mediation operation according to a policy. FIG. 8C is a drawingillustrating another example of a mediation operation according to apolicy.

Referring to FIGS. 8A to 8C, a policy generated by a first processor 100of FIG. 2 may include configuration of a scanner (or dummy antenna), anorbit priority, a band priority, an antenna priority, a modem priority,and a service provider priority.

Because a blockage occurs in an antenna corresponding to a specificband, when the antenna switches to another band, the scanner may includea parameter for setting an antenna which detects a recovery situation ofthe band at which communication is previously performed.

The first processor 100 may sequentially apply a plurality of prioritiesthrough the policy. For example, the first processor 100 maysequentially apply an orbit priority, a band priority, and an antennapriority. An order where the priorities are applied may be changed ifnecessary.

The first processor 100 may generate a policy which prepares for whensome of satellite communication assets are not operated. For example,the first processor 100 may set a policy when some of modems 70 of FIG.2 are not operated.

In a policy used in an example of FIG. 8A, an orbit priority may firstbe applied. In this case, when the orbit priority is determined as anMEO, a band priority of the MEO may be determined in an order of Ka, Ku,and C bands. Thus, mediation may be performed such that the modem 70which supports Ka band uses an antenna 50 designated as group A.

In an example of FIG. 8B, the orbit priority may first be applied. Inthis case, when a GEO satellite has a high priority, the band prioritymay be applied in an order of Ku, Ka, and C bands. In this case, amediator 300 of FIG. 2 may connect the modem 70 which supports Ku bandand the antenna 50 designated as group A to perform satellitecommunication.

In an example of FIG. 8C, when the GEO satellite has the highest orbitpriority and when it is unable to use modem #M5 due to a breakdown, aKa-band modem corresponding a second band priority of the GEO satellitemay be used by the policy.

The mediator 300 may switch a connection between the at least oneantenna 50 and the at least one modem 70. As a result, the mediator 300may change a band used for satellite communication and a serviceprovider and may change an RF link between the antenna 50 and the modem70 depending on an orbit of a satellite.

The mediator 30 may change the modem 70 to switch a communication band.

The mediator 300 may switch a connection between the two or moreantennas 50 and modems corresponding to a plurality of bands.

The mediator 300 may switch an RF link between the multi-antenna 50 andthe multi-modem 70.

Communication with the MEO satellite may need at least two antennas 50.Thus, a group of the one modem 70 and the two or more antennas 50 may bedesignated, and a handover may occur freely in the group. When the groupis formed with the one modem 70 and the two or more antennas 50, theantenna 50 in the group may fail to be used by another modem. The firstprocessor 100 may generate a policy for the antenna 50. The antenna 50may include a plurality of multi-band antennas.

ANT #4 and ANT #5 may be arranged as antenna group A, and ANT #7 and ANT#8 may be arranged as antenna group B. In this case, the first processor100 may designate ANT #2 as a scanner and may set a band priority in anorder of Ku, Ka, and C bands.

The antenna priority may be set in an order of a group, stand alone, anda scanner. The stand alone may include an antenna which performssatellite communication alone rather than in a group. In this case, whena scanner signal is greater than or equal to 50 dB, the condition mayinclude that the scanner signal is enabled using Ku band.

An example of the policy may be represented as Table 1 below.

TABLE 1 Active Active Applied Number Case antenna band policy 1 NormalAntenna group A Ku Band priority 2 ANT #4 -> Blockage Antenna group A KuBand priority 3 ANT #5 -> Blockage Antenna group A Ku Band priority 4 NoKu signal Antenna group B Ka Band priority & Antenna priority 5Condition Antenna group A Ku Command satisfaction (e.g., of conditionscanner signal of 50 dB or more)

FIGS. 9A to 9C illustrate a switching operation of a mediator andlocations of antennas, when a blockage occurs. FIGS. 10A to 10Cillustrate a switching operation of a mediator and locations ofantennas, when an antenna fault occurs.

Referring to FIG. 9A to 10C, a second processor 200 of FIG. 2 maydetermine whether to switch a link between at least one antenna 50 andat least one modem 70 of FIG. 2 based on a state of a first antennaincluded in the at least one antenna 50.

The state of the antenna 50 may include a blockage of the antenna 50 ora fault state of the antenna 50.

When it is determined to switch the link between the at least oneantenna 50 and the at least one modem 70, the second processor 200 mayselect a second antenna among the at least one antenna 50 based on apolicy and a condition included in schedule data.

In an example of FIGS. 9A to 10C, the second processor 200 may generatea control signal based on the policy. The second processor 200 maygenerate a control signal based on an orbit priority, a band priority,and a service provider priority.

In a policy applied to an example of FIGS. 9A to 9C, an orbit priorityof a satellite 30 of FIG. 1 may be an order of an MEO and a GEO and aband priority of the MEO may be an order of Ka and Ku bands. A bandpriority of the GEO may be an order of Ku, Ka, and C bands, and apriority for a service provider may be set if necessary. Furthermore,modem #M1 and antennas #A1 and #A2 may be included in a groupcorresponding to the MEO.

In an example of FIG. 9A, when a blockage occurs in antenna #A4, thesecond processor 200 may generate a control signal to connect antenna#A5 and modem #M3 and connect antenna #A7 and modem #M4 based on thepolicy. A link after the connection may be represented as FIG. 9B.

FIG. 9C illustrates locations of the plurality of antennas 50 on a shipand modems 70 connected with the plurality of antennas 50, when thesecond processor 200 and a mediator 300 are located on the ship.

The second processor 200 may select the second antenna based onproperties and a state of the at least one antenna 50. In detail, thesecond processor 200 may select an antenna, which supports the same bandas the first antenna and has the largest size, among the at least oneantenna 50 as the second antenna.

The second processor 200 may generate a control signal to connect a linkbetween the second antenna and at least one modem.

For example, when antenna #A4 is in the blockage state in FIG. 9A, thesecond processor 200 may identify properties and a state of an antennaincluded in a list of antennas connectable to the mediator 300 frommodem #M3 connected with antenna #A4.

The second processor 200 may generate a control signal to find andconnect an optimal antenna among antennas connectable with modem #M3.The second processor 200 may find an optimal antenna based on the policyand the condition.

For example, the second processor 200 may generate a control signal toconnect the largest antenna, which supports the same band as thepreviously connected antenna #A4 among antennas which are not connectedwith the modem without a fault, with modem #M3.

In a policy applied to an example of FIGS. 10A to 10C, an orbit priorityof the satellite 30 may be an order of the MEO and the GEO, and a bandpriority of the MEO may be an order of Ka and Ku bands. A band priorityof the GEO may be an order of Ku, Ka, and C bands, and a priority for aservice provider may be set if necessary. Furthermore, modem #M1 andantennas #A1 and #A2 may be included in a group corresponding to theMEO.

When a fault occurs in antenna #A7 in FIG. 10A, the second processor 200may generate a control signal to connect a link between modem #M4 andantenna #A5 based on the policy.

For example, the second processor 200 may generate a control signal toconnect the largest antenna, which supports the same band as thepreviously connected antenna #A4 among antennas which are not connectedwith the modem without a fault rather than the fault, with modem #M3.

FIG. 10C illustrates locations of the plurality of antennas 50 on amobile vehicle and modems 70 connected with the plurality of antennas50, when the second processor 200 and the mediator 300 are located onthe mobile vehicle.

FIGS. 11A to 11C illustrate a switching operation of a mediator andlocations of antennas, when a modem fault occurs.

Referring to FIGS. 11A to 11C, a second processor 200 of FIG. 2 maydetermine whether to switch a link based on a state of a first modemincluded in at least one modem 70 of FIG. 2. The state of the modem mayinclude a fault state.

When it is determined to switch the link, the second processor 200 mayselect a second modem among the at least one modem 70 based on a policyand a condition included in schedule data.

The second processor 200 may select the second modem based on propertiesand a state of the at least one modem 70. In detail, the secondprocessor 200 may select a modem, which supports the same serviceprovider and the same band as the first modem, among the at least onemodem 70 as the second modem.

The second processor 200 may generate a control signal to connect a linkbetween the second modem and at least one antenna 50 of FIG. 2.

In a policy applied to an example of FIGS. 11A to 11C, an orbit priorityof a satellite 30 of FIG. 1 may be an order of an MEO and a GEO and aband priority of the MEO may be an order of Ka and Ku bands. A bandpriority of the GEO may be an order of Ku, Ka, and C bands, and apriority for a service provider may be set if necessary. Furthermore,modem #M1 and antennas #A1 and #A2 may be included in a groupcorresponding to the MEO.

When a fault occurs in modem #M1 like an example of FIG. 11A, the secondprocessor 200 may generate a control signal to connect a link betweenantenna #A1 and modem #M2.

FIG. 11C illustrates locations of the plurality of antennas 50 on amobile vehicle and modems 70 connected with the plurality of antennas50, when the second processor 200 and a mediator 300 are located on themobile vehicle.

FIGS. 12A to 12C illustrate a switching operation of a mediator andlocations of antennas, when performing a handover.

Referring to FIGS. 12A to 12C, a second processor 200 of FIG. 2 maygenerate a control signal to change a role of at least one antenna 50 ofFIG. 2 based on a time schedule of a satellite 30 of FIG. 1. The role ofthe antenna 50 may include primary, secondary, and backup roles.

In a policy applied to an example of FIGS. 12A to 12C, an orbit priorityof the satellite 30 may be an order of an MEO and a GEO and a bandpriority of the MEO may be an order of Ka and Ku bands. A band priorityof the GEO may be an order of Ku, Ka, and C bands, and a priority for aservice provider may be set if necessary. Modem #M1 and antennas #A1,#A2, and #A4 may be included in a group corresponding to the MEO.

In an example of FIGS. 12A and 12B, P may denote a primary antenna, Smay denote a secondary antenna, and B may denote a backup antenna. Thesecond processor 200 may change roles of antennas #A1, #A2, and #A4 tosecondary, backup, and primary roles, respectively, based on a timeschedule of an MEO satellite.

FIG. 12C illustrates locations of the plurality of antennas 50 on amobile vehicle and modems 70 connected with the plurality of antennas50, when the second processor 200 and a mediator 300 are located on themobile vehicle.

FIGS. 13A to 13C illustrate a switching operation of a mediator andlocations of antennas, when a satellite signal is weak due to weather.

Referring to FIGS. 13A to 13C, a second processor 200 of FIG. 2 mayreceive weather information. The second processor 200 may generate acontrol signal to change a link between at least one antenna 50 and atleast one modem 70 of FIG. 2 based on the weather information.

The second processor 200 may receive weather information from a weatherobservation device. The weather information may include temperature,humidity, precipitation, a rainfall probability, a wind direction, awind speed, atmospheric pressure, a wave height, and the like.

In a policy applied to an example of FIGS. 13A to 13C, an orbit priorityof a satellite 30 of FIG. 1 may be an order of an MEO and a GEO and aband priority of the MEO may be an order of Ka and Ku bands. A bandpriority of the GEO may be an order of Ku, Ka, and C bands, and apriority for a service provider may be set if necessary.

Furthermore, an antenna priority may be an order of size, MT, M, andnormal. Modem #M1 and antennas #A1 and #A2 may be included in a groupcorresponding to the MEO.

The second processor 200 may switch a link between the antenna 50 andthe modem 70 based on weather information and intensity of a satellitesignal. For example, when a signal of Ku and Ka bands is less than orequal to a predetermined value and when a humidity value is greater thanor equal to 90%, the second processor 200 may generate a control signalto connect a link between modem #M4 and antenna #A4.

FIG. 13C illustrates locations of the plurality of antennas 50 on amobile vehicle and modems 70 connected with the plurality of antennas50, when the second processor 200 and a mediator 300 are located on themobile vehicle.

FIGS. 14A to 14C illustrate a switching operation of a mediator andlocations of antennas, when passing through a service coverage changearea.

Referring to FIGS. 14A to 14C, a second processor 200 of FIG. 2 mayreceive location information of the second processor 200. The secondprocessor 200 may generate a control signal to change a link between atleast one antenna 50 and at least one modem 70 of FIG. 2 based on thereceived location information.

For example, the second processor 200 may receive location informationfrom a GPS. The second processor 200 may determine whether a mobilevehicle passes through a service coverage change area, based on thereceived location information, and, at this time, may generate a controlsignal to change a link between the at least one antenna 50 and the atleast one modem 70.

In a policy applied to an example of FIGS. 14A to 14C, an orbit priorityof a satellite 30 of FIG. 1 may be an order of an MEO and a GEO and aband priority of the MEO may be an order of Ka and Ku bands. A bandpriority of the GEO may be an order of Ku, Ka, and C bands, and apriority for a service provider may be set if necessary. Modem #M1 andantennas #A1 and #A2 may be included in a group corresponding to theMEO.

The second processor 200 may generate a control signal to connect a linkbetween the antenna 50 and the modem 70 to communicate with a satellitewith strong signal intensity among a plurality of satellites in theservice coverage change area. For example, the second processor 200 maygenerate a control signal such that the same type of modem tracksdifferent satellites and connects to the satellite with a strongersignal, in the service coverage change area based on the receivedcondition.

The second processor 200 may switch a link between the antenna 50 andthe modem 70 based on location information and intensity of a satellitesignal. For example, when the second processor 200 is currently locatedin a predetermined area (e.g., a service coverage change area), it maygenerate a control signal to use a link between antenna #A5 and modem#M4 without using a link between antenna #A5 and modem #M3.

FIG. 14C illustrates locations of the plurality of antennas 50 on a shipand modems 70 connected with the plurality of antennas 50, when thesecond processor 200 and a mediator 300 are located on the motilevehicle.

FIGS. 15A to 15C illustrate a switching operation of a mediator andlocations of antennas, when changing a service provider.

Referring to FIGS. 15A to 15C, a second processor 200 of FIG. 2 mayreceive location information of the second processor 200 and may obtaina communication speed, service cost information, and a bandwidth of eachof a plurality of service providers which provide satellitecommunication based on the location information.

The second processor 200 may generate a control signal to change aservice provider based on the communication speed, the service costinformation, and the bandwidth of each of the plurality of serviceproviders.

In a policy applied to an example of FIGS. 15A to 15C, an orbit priorityof a satellite 30 of FIG. 1 may be an order of an MEO and a GEO and aband priority of the MEO may be an order of Ka and Ku bands. A bandpriority of the GEO may be an order of Ku, Ka, and C bands, and apriority for a service provider may be set if necessary. Modem #M1 andantennas #A1 and #A2 may be included in a group corresponding to theMEO.

The second processor 200 may switch a link between the antenna 50 andthe modem 70 to use an optimal service provider considering performanceand costs by determining a priority for a service provider depending ona location of the second processor 200.

For example, when the current location is any predetermined point, thesecond processor 200 may select the service provider by comparingnetwork speeds, bandwidths, and prices of the plurality of serviceproviders at any point and may generate a control signal to connect alink between the antenna 50 and the modem 70 to use a service of theselected service provider.

In an example of FIG. 15A, when a link between antenna #A4 and modem #M3corresponds to a first service provider and when a link between antenna#A5 and modem #M4 corresponds to a second service provider, the secondprocessor 200 may generate a control signal to connect a link betweenantenna #A5 and modem #M4 to compare speeds, bandwidths, and prices ofthe first service provider and the second service provider andcommunicate with the second service provider.

FIG. 15C illustrates locations of the plurality of antennas 50 on amobile vehicle and modems 70 connected with the plurality of antennas50, when the second processor 200 and a mediator 300 are located on themobile vehicle.

FIG. 16A illustrates an example of a configuration of a data center,when there are a plurality of mediators. FIG. 16B is illustrateslocations of antennas in FIG. 16A.

Referring to FIGS. 16A and 16B, a second processor 200 of FIG. 2 may beimplemented as a plurality of processors. The second processor 200 maybe implemented as a single processor or the plurality of processors tocontrol a plurality of mediators 300 of FIG. 2.

For example, the second processor 200 may include an active processorand a standby processor.

The active processor may generate a control signal to control one of afirst mediator and a second mediator included in the mediator 300.

The second processor 200 may configure two independent data centers andmay independently operate them. For example, the second processor 200may copy configuration of the active processor and the first mediator tothe standby processor and the second mediator.

In this case, only the data center by the active processor may performan orchestration function.

FIG. 16B illustrates locations of the plurality of antennas 50 on amobile vehicle and modems 70 connected with the plurality of antennas50, when the second processor 200 and the mediator 300 are located onthe mobile vehicle.

FIG. 17A illustrates another example of a configuration of a datacenter, when there are a plurality of mediators. FIG. 17B illustrateslocations of antennas in FIG. 17A.

Referring to FIGS. 17A and 17B, a second processor 200 of FIG. 2 maygenerate a control signal such that a first mediator and a secondmediator switch a link between different antennas.

For example, the second processor 200 may implement HA by constructing adata center using the two mediators 300. In this case, the secondprocessor 200 may integrally control a plurality of MESs.

The second processor 200 may designate a primary/secondary mediator foreach antenna port of the mediator 300 and may implement HA for theantenna 50, such that the two mediators 300 does not use an antenna 50of FIG. 2 redundantly.

FIG. 18 illustrates flow of monitoring data.

Referring to FIG. 18, a mediator 300 may monitor a satellitecommunication asset to generate monitoring data. For example, themediator 300 may monitor an antenna 50, a modem 70, and an ACU tocollect monitoring data. The mediator 300 may transmit the generatedmonitoring data to the second processor 200.

The monitoring data generated by the mediator 300 may include an RF linkmatrix, a heartbeat signal for the satellite communication asset, andmonitoring data about the antenna 50. The monitoring data may furtherinclude operation information of the satellite communication asset.

The RF link matrix may refer to a matrix indicating a connectionrelationship between the plurality of antennas 50 and the plurality ofmodems 70. As described above, the heartbeat signal may refer to asignal indicating whether the satellite communication asset is normallyoperated. The second processor 200 and the mediator 300 may periodicallymonitor a heartbeat signal with respect to the satellite communicationasset. It may be determined whether the satellite communication asset isnormally operated, through the monitoring of the heartbeat signal.

The operation information of the satellite communication asset mayinclude the connected satellite 30, a used orbit, a connected band,signal strength, a history log, whether the satellite communicationasset breaks down, and a threshold.

The monitoring data about the antenna 50 may include a target satellite,signal strength, and a GEO location.

The second processor 200 may generate an alarm and a history log basedon the monitoring information received from the mediator 300.

The alarm may include an alarm indicating that a heartbeat is stopped,an alarm indicating that the satellite communication asset breaks down,and an alarm indicating that it exceeds the threshold.

The second processor 200 may transmit the monitoring data to the firstprocessor 100. For example, the second processor 200 may transmit an RFlink matric, a heartbeat signal, monitoring data about the antenna 50,an alarm, and a history log.

The first processor 100 may manage the second processor 200 and themediator 300 based on the received monitoring data. The first processor100 may monitor states of a ship, the mediator 300, the antenna 50, andthe modem 70 and may correct scheduling data based on the monitoredstates.

The first processor 100 may determine a GEO location about a mobilevehicle, an active data center state (e.g., a heartbeat signal), a stateof the satellite communication asset, and a state of the mobile vehicle.The state of the mobile vehicle may include anchorage, operation, andrepair.

FIGS. 19 to 21B illustrate examples of a UXI provided by a secondprocessor.

Referring to FIGS. 19 to 21B, a second processor 200 of FIG. 2 mayprovide a UXI for asset configuration and RF switching configuration.The second processor 200 may provide an asset registration and editfunction through an asset configuration menu of the UXI.

The second processor 200 may provide a UXI capable of hierarchicallymanaging a satellite communication asset. For example, satellitecommunication assets may have a hierarchical structure on the basis ofone mobile vehicle.

The satellite communication asset having the hierarchical structure mayinclude one or more mediators 300 and one or more antennas 50 and modems70 which are dependent on the mediator 300. Each antenna 50 may bemanaged together with location information of the second processor 200installed on a mobile vehicle.

In an example of FIG. 19, the UXI may provide hierarchical assetstructure and management. Auto detectable items may be filled through aload button of the UXI. The auto detectable item may include items aboutthe mediator 300, the antenna 50, and the modem 70.

The item about the mediator 300 may include Internet protocol (IP),serial number (SN), port count items.

The asset configuration may be output as a file and may be loaded fromthe file.

An example of FIG. 20 may indicate a configuration screen for the modem70.

An example of FIG. 21A may indicate an RF link configuration interface.The RF link configuration may provide an RF linkable configuration forautomated mediation. A user may drag a connection relationship betweenthe antenna 50 and the modem 70 to set a connection.

In other words, a satellite communication device 10 of FIG. 1 mayprovide an interface, capable of switching an RF link between theantenna 50 and the modem 70, to the user intuitively through a UXI.

In an example of FIG. 21A, the one modem 70 may be connected with theplurality of antennas 50. Furthermore, the one antenna 50 may beconnected with each of the plurality of modems 70.

A name of an antenna group may be set through a UXI, and it is setwhether to grant or block a connection to an antenna group correspondingto a specific orbit.

Like an example of FIG. 21B, the second processor 200 may provide a UIabout an RF link method between the antenna 50 and the modem 70. Thesecond processor 200 may simplify configuration between satellitecommunication assets through the UI. For example, the second processor200 may provide a UI capable of easily connecting a link between theantenna 50 and the modem 70 through drag & drop.

In this case, when the icon is dragged, the second processor 200 mayprevent an attempt to connect an impossible RF link by displaying aconnectable satellite communication asset.

Furthermore, the second processor 200 may provide a UI capable ofperforming an operation about switching of the antenna 50 in one place.

FIGS. 22 to 27 illustrate examples of a UXI about mediationconfiguration and monitoring data of a first processor and a secondprocessor.

Referring to FIGS. 22 to 27, a second processor 200 of FIG. 2 mayprovide a configuration function for automated mediation. In an exampleof FIG. 22, the second processor 200 may set a policy and a condition.The policy may include a scanner, an orbit priority, a band priority, anantenna priority, and a service provider priority.

The condition may include an asset fault, a blockage, signal strength,weather, a scanner, default (or normal), a GEO location, and a time.

Like an example of FIGS. 23 and 24, the second processor 200 may providean automatic mode and a manual mode. When the automatic mode isselected, the second processor 200 may automatically perform mediationwithout intervention of a user. The second processor 200 may display acurrent satellite communication state and an applied condition through aUXI.

The user may directly switch a connection between an antenna 50 and amodem 70 of FIG. 2 in the manual mode. The second processor 200 mayallow the user to determine whether use a satellite network through aUXI. For example, the UXI may provide a menu capable of selecting toenable and disable the satellite network.

An example of FIG. 25 may indicate a monitoring UXI for the antenna 50.The monitoring data may include a monitoring screen about an alarm, anRF link, and an asset.

The alarm item may provide an alarm count. The item about the RF linkand the asset may provide an RF connection state between the antenna 50and the modem 70, product information, and information about an asset.Furthermore, the second processor 200 may provide detailed informationof the antenna 50 through the monitoring UXI.

The second processor 200 may display location information of theinstalled antenna 50 and detailed state information for each antenna 50on a dashboard. As a result, the second processor 200 may provide a UXIcapable of determining an operation state of the satellite communicationasset at a glance.

The second processor 200 may provide information capable of predicting ablockage according to a location. When it is able to move the cursor ofthe mouse on the antenna icon, the second processor 200 may displayproduct information of the antenna 50 using a help balloon.

In this case, the second processor 200 may provide a detailedconfiguration value of the antenna 50 through an antenna configurationprogram.

Like an example of FIG. 26, the second processor 200 may provide a mapview. The second processor 200 may display an alarm count or a signallevel of an active antenna on the map view and may provide a function ofchanging a view mode.

The map view may provide a journey of a mobile vehicle, a currentlocation of the mobile vehicle, and a state of a ship and may include acurrently generated alarm message.

Like an example of FIG. 27, a first processor 100 of FIG. 2 may displaymonitoring data about a plurality of mobile vehicles. The firstprocessor 100 may provide an operation situation of a ship, an alarmcount, a current location, a current alarm member on a map, and adetailed state of the ship.

The methods according to the above-described exemplary embodiments ofthe inventive concept may be implemented with program instructions whichmay be executed through various computer means and may be recorded incomputer-readable media. The media may also include, alone or incombination with the program instructions, data files, data structures,and the like. The program instructions recorded in the media may bedesigned and configured specially for the exemplary embodiments of theinventive concept or be known and available to those skilled in computersoftware. Computer-readable media include magnetic media such as harddisks, floppy disks, and magnetic tape; optical media such as compactdisc-read only memory (CD-ROM) disks and digital versatile discs (DVDs);magneto-optical media such as floptical disks; and hardware devices thatare specially configured to store and perform program instructions, suchas read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), flash memory, andthe like. Program instructions include both machine codes, such asproduced by a compiler, and higher level codes that may be executed bythe computer using an interpreter. The described hardware devices may beconfigured to act as one or more software modules to perform theoperations of the above-described exemplary embodiments of the inventiveconcept, or vice versa.

Software may include computer programs, codes, instructions or one ormore combinations thereof and may configure a processing unit to operatein a desired manner or may independently or collectively control theprocessing unit. Software and/or data may be permanently or temporarilyembodied in any type of machine, components, physical equipment, virtualequipment, computer storage media or units or transmitted signal wavesso as to be interpreted by the processing unit or to provideinstructions or data to the processing unit. Software may be dispersedthroughout computer systems connected via networks and may be stored orexecuted in a dispersion manner. Software and data may be recorded inone or more computer-readable storage media.

While a few exemplary embodiments have been shown and described withreference to the accompanying drawings, it will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be madefrom the foregoing descriptions. For example, adequate effects may beachieved even if the foregoing processes and methods are carried out indifferent order than described above, and/or the aforementionedelements, such as systems, structures, devices, or circuits, arecombined or coupled in different forms and modes than as described aboveor be substituted or switched with other components or equivalents.

Therefore, other implements, other embodiments, and equivalents toclaims are within the scope of the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A satellite communication device, comprising: afirst processor configured to generate schedule data about a satellitecommunication asset, wherein the schedule data includes a policy for thecontrol signal, a condition for the control signal, and at least oneinstruction according to the policy and the condition; a secondprocessor located on a mobile vehicle spaced apart from the firstprocessor and configured to generate a control signal based on theschedule data; and a mediator configured to dynamically switch a linkbetween at least one antenna and at least one modem based on the controlsignal, wherein the policy includes at least one of a priority for anorbit of a satellite, a priority for a communication band of thesatellite, a priority for the at least one antenna, a priority for theat least one modem, and a service provider priority.
 2. The satellitecommunication device of claim 1, wherein the condition includes at leastone of a location of the second processor, a time, an environmentalcondition of the location, and a state of the satellite communicationasset.
 3. The satellite communication device of claim 1, wherein thesecond processor generates the control signal based on at least one ofan orbit of a satellite, a communication band of the satellite, apriority for the at least one antenna.
 4. The satellite communicationdevice of claim 1, wherein the mediator monitors a state of thesatellite communication asset to generate monitoring data and transmitsthe monitoring data to the second processor.
 5. The satellitecommunication device of claim 4, wherein the monitoring data includes atleast one of a matrix corresponding to the link, a heartbeat signal forthe satellite communication asset, and information about the satellitecommunication asset.
 6. The satellite communication device of claim 4,wherein the second processor updates the control signal based on themonitoring data.
 7. The satellite communication device of claim 4,wherein the second processor generates an alarm when the monitoring dataexceeds a threshold and transmits the alarm to the first processor. 8.The satellite communication device of claim 1, wherein the secondprocessor generates the control signal to change a role of the at leastone antenna based on a time schedule of a satellite, and wherein therole includes primary, secondary, and backup roles.
 9. The satellitecommunication device of claim 1, wherein the second processor receivesweather information and generates the control signal to change the linkbased on the weather information.
 10. The satellite communication deviceof claim 1, wherein the second processor receives location informationof the second processor and generates the control signal to change thelink based on the location information.
 11. The satellite communicationdevice of claim 1, wherein the second processor receives locationinformation of the second processor, obtains a communication speed,service cost information, and a bandwidth of each of the plurality ofservice providers which provide satellite communication based on thelocation information, and generates the control signal to change aservice provider based on the communication speed, the service costinformation, and the bandwidth.
 12. The satellite communication deviceof claim 1, wherein the second processor includes an active processorand a standby processor, wherein the mediator includes a first mediatorand a second mediator, and wherein the active processor generates thecontrol signal to control one of the first mediator and the secondmediator.
 13. The satellite communication device of claim 1, wherein thefirst processor is located at a fixed point, wherein the secondprocessor is located on each of a plurality of mobile vehicles, andwherein the first processor transmits the schedule data to a pluralityof second processors respectively located on the plurality of mobilevehicles.
 14. A satellite communication method, comprising: generatingschedule data about a satellite communication asset, wherein theschedule data includes a policy for the control signal, a condition forthe control signal, and an instruction according to the policy and thecondition; generating a control signal based on the schedule data, on amobile vehicle spaced apart from a location where the schedule data isgenerated; and dynamically switching a link between at least one antennaand at least one modem based on a control signal, wherein the policyincludes at least one of a priority for an orbit of a satellite, apriority for a communication band of the satellite, a priority for theat least one antenna, a priority for the at least one modem, and aservice provider priority.
 15. The satellite communication method ofclaim 14, wherein the condition includes at least one of a locationwhere the control signal is generated, a time, an environmentalcondition of the location, and a state of the satellite communicationasset.
 16. The satellite communication method of claim 14, wherein thegenerating of the control signal includes: generating the control signalbased on at least one of an orbit of a satellite, a communication bandof the satellite, a priority for the at least one antenna.
 17. Thesatellite communication method of claim 14, wherein the generating ofthe control signal includes: managing an option file including acommunication band of the at least one modem, configuration informationof the at least one antenna and the at least one modem, a list ofavailable satellites, locations of the satellites, and beam informationused for satellite communication.
 18. The satellite communication methodof claim 14, further comprising: monitoring a state of the satellitecommunication asset to generate monitoring data; and transmitting themonitoring data.
 19. The satellite communication method of claim 18,wherein the monitoring data includes at least one of a matrixcorresponding to the link, a heartbeat signal for the satellitecommunication asset, and information about the satellite communicationasset.
 20. The satellite communication method of claim 18, wherein thegenerating of the control signal includes: updating the control signalbased on the monitoring data.
 21. The satellite communication method ofclaim 18, further comprising: generating an alarm, when the monitoringdata exceeds a threshold; and transmitting the alarm.
 22. The satellitecommunication method of claim 14, wherein the generating of the controlsignal includes: generating the control signal to change a role of theat least one antenna based on a time schedule of a satellite, andwherein the role includes primary, secondary, and backup roles.
 23. Thesatellite communication method of claim 14, wherein the generating ofthe control signal includes: receiving weather information; andgenerating the control signal to change the link based on the weatherinformation.
 24. The satellite communication method of claim 14, whereinthe generating of the control signal includes: receiving locationinformation of a point where the control signal is generated; andgenerating the control signal to change the link based on the locationinformation.
 25. The satellite communication method of claim 14, whereinthe generating of the control signal includes: receiving locationinformation of a point where the control signal is generated; obtaininga communication speed, service cost information, and a bandwidth of eachof the plurality of service providers which provide satellitecommunication based on the location information; and generating thecontrol signal to change a service provider based on the communicationspeed, the service cost information, and the bandwidth.
 26. Thesatellite communication device of claim 14, wherein the control signalis generated by an active processor and a standby processor, wherein theswitching is performed by a first mediator and a second mediator, andwherein the generating of the control signal includes: generating thecontrol signal to control one of the first mediator and the secondmediator through the active processor.
 27. The satellite communicationmethod of claim 14, wherein the schedule data is generated at a fixedpoint, wherein the control signal is generated on each of a plurality ofmobile vehicles, and wherein the schedule data is transmitted to each ofthe plurality of mobile vehicles.
 28. A satellite communication device,comprising: a processor configured to generate a control signal based onschedule data, wherein the processor receives the schedule data fromanother processor spaced apart from the processor or generates theschedule data; and a mediator configured to dynamically switch a linkbetween at least one antenna and at least one modem based on the controlsignal.
 29. The satellite communication device of claim 28, wherein theprocessor generates the control signal to change a role of the at leastone antenna based on a time schedule of a satellite, and wherein therole includes primary, secondary, and backup roles.
 30. The satellitecommunication device of claim 28, wherein the processor includes anactive processor and a standby processor, wherein the mediator includesa first mediator and a second mediator, and wherein the active processorgenerates the control signal to control one of the first mediator andthe second mediator.